Mekinist

Brand name:

Mekinist.

Trametinib is an antineoplastic drug (cancer drug). It is used to treat melanoma (skin cancer) either alone or in combination with Dabrafenib.

It is only used in those cases of melanoma if they are BRAF V600E or V600K mutations positive and if they cannot be removed by surgery.

It is available in the form of tablet only with your doctor’s prescription.

Before starting the treatment your doctor should be informed about conditions such as,

Allergy

Inform your doctor if you are allergic to any food, preservatives, dyes, or had an allergic reaction when you used this drug before.

Children

There are no adequate studies done which proves Trametinib harmful effects in children. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Elderly

This medicine does not cause any different side effects or problem than it does in younger adults. However, elderly patient with liver, kidney and heart problems may require adjustment of dosage.

Pregnancy

It is a category D drug. It is not safe to use in pregnancy. It may cause harm to an unborn baby and can result in the loss of an unborn baby.

Breast Feeding

Trametinib is not known if it can pass into breast milk or not. Do not use this medication while nursing your child.

Drug Interactions

Trametinib may interact with other drugs. Your doctor should be informed of any other medicines which you are taking. He may want to change the dosage or drug.

Other Medical Conditions

Several other conditions may reduce its effectiveness.

Make sure you inform your doctor of conditions such as

• History of bleeding problems or blood clots.
• Heart problems (heart failure, fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Liver diseases
• Kidney problems
• Lung or breathing problems
• Eye or vision problems
• Skin problems or you have long term sun exposure.

Use it exactly as your doctor directed. Read the medication guide carefully. Ask your pharmacist if you have any queries.

Swallow the medicine whole. Do not crush, chew or break it. Do not take it if it is deformed. Take it at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meal.

Dosage

It is different for different patients. Dosage mentioned below is an average dose. You must follow your doctor’s command.

For melanoma

Adults: 2 milligrams (mg) once a day.

Children

Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it almost a time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your daily schedule. Doubling the dose is harmful.

Storage

Store it at room temperature.

Keep it away from children.

Your doctor should check your daily progress at regular visits. He may do a blood and urine test.

Use an effective form of birth control methods as Trametinib can harm an unborn baby.

It may cause difficulty in conceiving (to have children). Discuss with your doctor if you want children.

This medicine may increase your risk of heart failure if you have a history of heart disease.

Inform your doctor if you notice any

• chest pain,
• decreased urine output,
• an uneven heartbeat,
• swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs,
• troubled breathing,
• rapid weight gain while using this medicine.

It may cause eye problems. Inform your doctor if you have difficulty in reading or blurred vision, he/she may refer you to an eye specialist.

Trametinib may cause lung diseases.

Inform your doctor if you have any

• cough,
• shortness of breath,
• chest tightness,
• any type of breathing problem.

It may cause serious skin reaction.

Inform your doctor right away if you notice any

• blistering,
• peeling, or loosening of the skin,
• chills,
• cough,
• diarrhea,
• fever,
• itching, joint or muscle pain,
• red skin lesions.

Trametinib may increase the risk of developing other types of cancer, including another type of skin cancer, when used with dabrafenib. Discuss it with your doctor if you have any concern regarding it.

Fatal bleeding and blood clots in arms, legs or lungs have been reported if Trametinib is used along with Dabrafenib.

Inform you doctor immediately if you notice any

• bleeding, including coughing up blood or blood clots,
• dark, tarry, or bloody stools,
• unusual headache, dizziness, or weakness,
• vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds chest pain,
• cool or pale arm or leg, pain or swelling in the arms or legs,
• sudden shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.

All medicines have some side effects. Some people may experience none or minor side effects.

Consult with your doctor if they become problematic or frequent

More common are,

• Constipation
• Cough
• Decreased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dry skin
• Headache
• Mild stomach pain
• Muscle or joint ache
• Nausea
• Night sweats
• Tiredness
• Vomiting.

Less common are,

• Cough
• Fever
• Change in vision
• Seeing flashes or sparks of light
• Seeing floating spots before the eyes, or a veil or curtain across part of your vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.